What do you do when its the middle of the night, all quiet and you can't sleep?

Yes warm milk with oatmeal works well. Also lettuce I hear!

Actually Pamstegma, there is scientific evidence behind your cereal with milk solution. Bear with me cause I'm not a science-y gal. Carbohydrates cause a spike in blood sugar. Which in turn causes the body to produce insulin to bring down the blood sugar. When insulin is produced so is tryptophan and serotonin which are both brain chemicals that promote relaxation. Turkey is also high in tryptophan... But I digress - thanksgiving on the brain - milk also contains tryptophan so when you mix it with a carbohydrate, especially a complex carb you are getting a double hit of sleepy brain chemicals. Personally I go the milk and cookie route - chocolate chip - not as effective as granola cereal but soooo yummy! As far as warm milk - I have read differing opinions but the general consensus is that just by it being warm it is more relaxing.

A bowl of milk and cereal helps me. I sleep better after that. Maybe it is just enough to raise my sugar level to a normal range, or there is something calming in whole milk.

To be honest with you cwillie if I went for a run or a power walk at 3AM. I'd more than likely have already lost my mind at that point. Have a warm milk. Less calories.

I'm wide awake. I don't think I want to go out for a run or power walk after midnight, even if I do live in a small town. No weed in the house, already finished my book, TV sucks.... midnight snacks? (shhh, don't tell the dieting thread)

Different strokes for different Folks, but I find My Apple I-pad 3 works wonders for Me. Usually Mom calls Me two or three times at night, and when I'm awakened from a deep sleep I find it impossible to fall back into it again. That's what I'm doing right now.

Aromatherapy and our fireplace with a cozy blanket are my best bets...and a good movie I have been dying to see forever on TV...the minute it starts I fall asleep.....happened again this weekend...

I also agree with Eddie....I'm not much of a runner, but a good power walk always helped me..cleared my mind, made me feel better...and the brief euphoria was quickly over taken by a good sleep...

Yeah, Fat, depressed and sleepless in Vancouver. Not a good look. My hubby does medical marijuana. I tried some, a indica dominant strain. I wasn 't impressed and still couldn't get to sleep. Woke up with a headache and a hung over feeling.

Oops. Posted too soon! So to continue - When it became recreational legal in Oregon -as I said earlier, I decided to give it a shot to help with my chronic insomnia. I was not prepared for the difference in potency since it had been over 30 years since I lasted smoked. The first two times I got a little freaked out, to be honest. But the third attempt did the trick and now two tiny puffs get me to sleep as soon as I lay down. My warning would be for anyone struggling with strong emotional issues to stay clear of it. And NEVER give it to someone with dementia. For those in a good space mentally - still do some research on the different strains, THC levels etc.

K2 will make you run naked down the street speaking in tongues. The so-called "good stuff" will give you the munchies. You'll be big as a house in no time at all. Fat, depressed, lonely, and insomniac? Not happening.

Forget the weed!

Gershun - I'm with you regarding your cannabis cautions. The pot today is nothing like the pot of my youth, 30 - 40 years ago. Then it was giggle and laugh for an hour, empty the refrigerator then zone out on TV followed by a nap.

All that energy and nowhere to channel it. I used to get dressed and head for the nearest watering hole. Called in "sick" next morning. Now I go for a long run (2-3 miles will do) or swing by the 24-hour gym down the street. No problem falling asleep after that. Try it.

I find myself trying to relax my tongue at night now. LOL. What does that mean?
Please explain.

By the way. Cannabis. Not such a good thing. For me anyhow. My mind always goes to dark places. Not great for someone who is already grieving.

I agree the suggestions here are great! One thing I use is a fireplace DVD which plays video of a fire burning in a fireplace. Other than that, aromatherapy might be useful.

Valerian tincture. Valerian is the plant that inspired valium. And the tincture is made from the root of the plant. Ive been able to find both alcohol free and traditional tinctures at our local health food store. Or dried root can be infused to soothing chamomile tea. Valerian can be a knockout, so do some reaserch first = )
There are lots of great ideas on this thread.

Just try all or any of these tips! Must be something that works for you . Not too sure about the tongue free one but guess it means relax your tongue. Do not clench teeth either!

My dentist once recommeded 7 grain bread, one slice before bed, instead of a candy bar. Apparently, some of us are waking up hungry not being able to go all night without food.

I realize that my tips are NOT recommended by the experts, but they work for me. lol If I awake and can't get back to sleep, I eat just a little something to calm my stomach....just a bite of banana or a cracker with a sip of milk. Then I get on the couch, (getting out of the bed works for me) with my pillow and soft blanket and turn on some mindless tv. I try to find something that bores me to death, like a silent movie or homemaker show. I then slightly try to pay attention and I'm out like a light.

Good question. Explain Veronica. Enquiring minds want to know.

What does that mean, to keep your tongue free?
Free, and flapping in the wind? Free to talk out loud in the silence? Free of cuss words? Free from chewing on it or keep it free and away from your teeth?

Maybe just thinking of what it means would put one to sleep?

Keep your tongue free?

Another poster on the same subject a while ago said that her mother had told her that you should keep your tongue free and then you should fall asleep. It has actually worked a few times but not always.

Gershun,
It's the worst feeling in the world and I'm sorry you are having trouble.After i went off some medicene,I could'nt sleep for a long time through a night and I would see each hour from midnight to morning and never go to sleep.I know it's awful.The doctor told me that noone ever died from lack of sleep and to take melatonin.I finally found some relief after time and a few Lunesta pills.Take care!!!

My mother wanted some cannabis for intractable pain but not available here in UK . Should have gone to Holland . Doctor horrified when I suggested it would help her. When we were in Virginia everyone seemed to have it- not legally of course. I think it would be helpful in very small quantities if I could get hold of it!

I have this problem as well! tried praying which sometimes helps although not very religious. Lavender oil on tissue near pillow and reading a good book not a boring one! The trouble is brooding on problems when trying to sleep. ( why didnt I get a divorce years ago for instance. The fact is the financial problems would have been worse than the continual controlling behaviour of my husband). I miss my lovely cat to cuddle! Too late to get another one I guess.

Also get up and tidy something for half an hour only - otherwise it can go on for the rest of the night! I must get some melatonin as suggested here. Can

ohmeowzer Love your avatar first of all.Secondly I can relate to missing your bestie. My Mom who died 6 mths. ago was first and foremost the best Mom in the world but also my bestie.

Since her death sleeping has become quite the adventure. Nightmares galore. Nightmares about Mom dying, quite often about me dying. Dying,, dying, dying.
Seems to be the common theme. Maybe thats why I can't sleep. Cause when I do its all so depressing. I've been talking in my sleep lately too which is unlike me.
So what to do......what to do. I don't know. But you've all come up with some good suggestions.

I think of my sister Geri who died suddenly 2 years ago . She was 49 and it was sudden cardiac death. I say a pray for her , tell her I miss her and think about her and how beautiful she was . Then I cry and fall asleep ... Then I go,to sleep and seem to wake up ok for work .i haven't slept well since Geri died I'm still having grief and I miss her she was my bestie , I still feel lost.

Too funny, Gershun! That's quite an image! I thought of a couple other "remedies" I've tried over the years that might enhance your experience. Sleep in the buff - night cloths twist, hike, construct possibly waking you. Chant a soothing, meditatave phrase - "I don't feel silly, I don't feel silly". Apply lavender scented body lotion as a part of a regular night time ritual...a night time ritual is key as it tells your mind and body that it's sleepy time. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day - doesn't make any difference if it's a lazy Sunday morning! Some of the things I've tried have seemed so odd - but when you're sleep deprived you'll try anything! Oh, by the way - do your IRS manual reading in a different room. The bedroom is only for sleeping!!! Not sure about the cats - that may be a grey area.

Ozark Olly, i don;t have insomnia often, but yes, the best prayer ever on those rare occasions when I do. I learned at one of those times, that God's grace was enough for me, and I have not forgotten it.